When you think of grapes, you probably imagine small, round, green or red fruit. But what if we told you there’s a grape variety that looks like it came straight from outer space—long, dark, and shaped like tiny fingers? Meet the Moon Drop grape from Grapery, one of the most unique and delicious fruits to hit the market in recent years.
In this post, we’ll take you on a complete journey of tasting and reviewing Moon Drop grapes, uncovering their flavor profile, texture, origin, and nutritional value, and why fruit lovers everywhere are obsessed with them. Whether you’re a curious foodie or a home gardener intrigued by rare fruit varieties, this guide will help you understand why Moon Drop grapes are truly out of this world.
What Are Moon Drop Grapes?
Moon Drop grapes are a premium seedless grape variety developed by Grapery, a California-based company known for breeding unique, flavorful grapes that stand apart from typical grocery store varieties. These grapes are immediately recognizable by their unusual appearance—elongated, tube-like berries with deep purple to almost black skin.
They were created by International Fruit Genetics (IFG), the same company behind other famous grape varieties like Cotton Candy grapes and Gum Drop grapes. Through careful crossbreeding, scientists and growers managed to combine the intense sweetness, firm texture, and long shelf life that make Moon Drop grapes a standout in the fruit world.
The Visual Appeal: Grapes That Look Like No Other
The first thing that grabs your attention about Moon Drop grapes is their shape. Each grape is about two to three inches long—slender, cylindrical, and slightly curved, resembling miniature eggplants or fingers. The color is equally striking: deep indigo or midnight blue, often with a powdery bloom that gives them a velvety matte finish.
When you bite into one, the skin gives a satisfying snap, revealing a crisp, juicy interior. Their dramatic appearance makes them perfect for gourmet fruit platters, charcuterie boards, or as conversation starters at dinner parties.
Flavor Profile: The Taste Test
Let’s talk flavor—the reason Moon Drop grapes have such a devoted following. When you pop one into your mouth, the first thing you notice is its incredible sweetness, balanced by a light floral and berry undertone. The taste is clean and refreshing, without the tartness often found in red or green grapes.
Here’s a breakdown of the tasting experience:
- Sweetness: 9/10 — Naturally sweet with a subtle vanilla note.
- Juiciness: 8/10 — Bursting with crisp juice but not watery.
- Texture: 10/10 — Firm, crunchy, and satisfying to bite.
- Aftertaste: 9/10 — Smooth, fruity, and mildly floral.
Some people describe the flavor as “blueberry meets plum meets grape,” while others compare it to a sweeter, crunchier Concord grape without the seeds. Either way, it’s unlike any grape you’ve ever tried.
Who Makes Moon Drop Grapes? Meet Grapery
Grapery, based in Bakersfield, California, is the innovative company behind Moon Drop grapes. Founded in the 1990s by Jack Pandol, Grapery’s mission has been simple yet revolutionary: to grow grapes for flavor, not just for appearance or durability.
While most commercial grapes are bred for shelf life and uniform size, Grapery focuses on creating distinctive eating experiences. Their lineup includes:
- Cotton Candy Grapes – Sweet and candy-like.
- Gum Drop Grapes – Berry-flavored with chewy sweetness.
- Moon Drop Grapes – Crisp, juicy, and rich in flavor.
Each variety is available only during its short harvest season, making them a seasonal treat that fruit enthusiasts eagerly await each year.
Seasonality: When and Where to Find Moon Drop Grapes
Moon Drop grapes are typically available from August through November, depending on the weather and harvest timing. They’re primarily grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where the warm days and cool nights create ideal grape-growing conditions.
You can find them:
- In premium supermarkets like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s.
- At select farmers’ markets during the harvest season.
- Online specialty fruit retailers during peak months.
Because of their limited availability, they tend to be a bit pricier than standard grapes—but one bite will convince you they’re worth every penny.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
Don’t let their candy-like sweetness fool you—Moon Drop grapes are incredibly nutritious. Like other grape varieties, they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and hydration benefits.
Nutritional highlights (per 100g serving):
- Calories: ~67
- Vitamin C: 4–5% of daily value
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Potassium: 190 mg
- Antioxidants: Rich in resveratrol, known for heart health and anti-aging effects
Regular consumption of grapes, including Moon Drops, can help:
- Support heart health
- Improve skin elasticity and glow
- Boost hydration and immunity
- Aid digestion
And since Moon Drop grapes are seedless, they’re a convenient, mess-free snack for both kids and adults.
How to Eat and Enjoy Moon Drop Grapes
The beauty of Moon Drop grapes lies in their versatility. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Eat them fresh – The simplest and best way to experience their flavor.
- Freeze them – Perfect as a natural sorbet or wine chiller.
- Add to fruit salads – Their unique shape adds visual appeal.
- Pair with cheese and wine – Excellent with brie, goat cheese, or mild cheddar.
- Use in desserts – Blend into smoothies or toss in yogurt parfaits.
- Roast or grill them – Enhances their caramel-like sweetness.
Pro tip: Chill them in the refrigerator for an hour before eating to intensify the crispness and flavor.
Storage and Shelf Life
One of the biggest advantages of Moon Drop grapes is their excellent shelf life. Thanks to their firm skin and natural durability, they can stay fresh longer than most grape varieties.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 2 weeks.
- Room temperature: Best consumed within 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Stays good for up to 3 months (perfect for smoothies or snacks).
Always rinse grapes just before eating, not before storage, to prevent early spoilage.
Moon Drop Grapes vs. Other Premium Grapes
How do Moon Drop grapes compare to other modern seedless grape varieties? Let’s take a look:
| Variety | Flavor | Texture | Color | Season | Special Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moon Drop | Sweet with mild floral notes | Crisp & firm | Deep purple | Aug–Nov | Unique elongated shape |
| Cotton Candy | Sweet like spun sugar | Juicy & tender | Light green | July–Sept | Cotton candy flavor |
| Gum Drop | Berry-flavored | Firm | Reddish-purple | Aug–Oct | Candy-like aroma |
| Autumn Crisp | Mild & refreshing | Crunchy | Green | Oct–Dec | Extra-large size |
Among these, Moon Drop grapes stand out not just for taste but for their texture and novelty factor.
Price and Availability
Moon Drop grapes are considered premium table grapes, and their price reflects that exclusivity. Depending on your location and season, they typically cost $4–$8 per pound in stores.
Because of their limited growing season and popularity, it’s a good idea to buy them as soon as they appear in stores—they often sell out quickly.
Taste Review Summary: The Verdict
After tasting and testing Moon Drop grapes from Grapery, here’s the verdict:
- Appearance: Exotic and eye-catching
- Flavor: Exceptionally sweet and crisp
- Texture: Firm and juicy
- Overall Experience: 9.5/10
They’re not just a novelty fruit—they deliver real flavor, incredible crunch, and a premium snacking experience. Perfect for fruit lovers, health enthusiasts, or anyone looking to try something extraordinary.
Can You Grow Moon Drop Grapes at Home?
Moon Drop grapes are patented and licensed, meaning you can’t legally propagate them at home from cuttings or seeds. However, you can grow similar dark-skinned seedless grapes like Black Corinth or Autumn Royal, which share similar characteristics.
That said, if you ever get a chance to taste Moon Drops, do it—they’re one of nature’s finest gourmet treats.
Final Thoughts: A Taste from the Stars
If there’s one word to describe Moon Drop grapes, it’s magical. From their deep celestial color to their elongated shape and sweet, crisp bite, they redefine what we expect from a simple grape.
Whether you’re snacking straight from the bowl, pairing them with fine cheese, or using them to impress guests, these grapes deliver a luxury fruit experience that truly lives up to their name.
So next time you spot a bag of Moon Drop grapes from Grapery, grab it—because once you taste these interstellar gems, regular grapes will never taste the same again.